MLB Player News

Atlanta added Dunning to the major-league roster Friday.

The right-hander was assigned to Triple-A Round Rock last week before being traded by the Rangers on Thursday, and he'll join the big-league squad for his new team to kick off the second half. Dunning has a 3.38 ERA and 10:5 K:BB over 10.2 frames in the majors this season and is expected to serve as a long reliever for Atlanta.

Dunning is expected to work out of the bullpen for Atlanta, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

While the team is in need of starting pitching depth, Dunning will instead fill a long-relief role once he joins the big-league roster, providing length behind what will likely be a parade of unproven or unreliable arms in the rotation during the second half of the season. The 30-year-old right-hander has made five MLB appearances for the Rangers in 2025, all in relief, and posted a 3.38 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 10:5 K:BB over 10.2 innings.

Wentz is listed as Atlanta's probable starting pitcher for Saturday's game against the Yankees at Truist Park.

After Atlanta claimed him off waivers from the Twins on July 11, Wentz was put to work one day later in long relief. He delivered an excellent outing, tossing three no-hit innings while striking out six and issuing one walk. The veteran southpaw will open the second half as a member of the rotation, though he isn't stretched out enough to handle a typical starter's workload and could be piggybacked by Dane Dunning. Should Wentz's stay in the rotation prove to be temporary, Atlanta has prospects Nathan Wiles and Hurston Waldrep on hand at Triple-A Gwinnett as potential candidates to replace him.

Richards had a locker set up for him in Arizona's clubhouse Thursday, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

It looks like the Diamondbacks will make a few roster moves Friday, including the addition of Richards. The club inked him to a minor-league deal last month after he opted out of a contract with the Royals, who had designated him for assignment. The 32-year-old right-hander will slot into the bullpen, which has been hit hard by injuries.

McCann started taking reps at first base this week, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

McCann was signed to the roster late in June and has played regularly since his arrival. His primary job remains that of catcher, but he's hit well in nine games (1.224 OPS) and could spell Josh Naylor when needed, giving McCann another route to playing time once Gabriel Moreno (finger) is healthy.

Thompson (shoulder) has begun a throwing program, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

Thompson landed on the 15-day injured list with a scapular strain earlier this month. No timeline has been established for the return of the side-arming righty, who is needed in an Arizona bullpen that's been hammered by injuries.

Del Castillo had a locker set up for him in Arizona's clubhouse Thursday, signaling a potential call-up, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

No official roster move has been made, but it looks like Del Castillo will join the Diamondbacks as soon as Friday. This will be his second stint in the majors after he debuted last season and posted a slash line of .313/.368/.525 over 25 games. The catcher, who has dealt with back and shoulder injuries this season, has a .945 OPS with four home runs and 19 RBI over 14 games for Triple-A Reno. Del Castillo is expected to serve as the designated hitter against right-handers while Pavin Smith (oblique) is on the mend.

Atlanta designated Chavez for assignment Thursday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Chavez has pitched primarily with Triple-A Gwinnett this season, though he was called up to the majors in early July He's made four appearances in the big leagues this year and has given up eight earned runs with an 8:5 K:BB over eight innings. The 41-year-old will now go through the waiver process and will be able to elect free agency if he goes unclaimed.

Dunning was traded from Texas to Atlanta in exchange for Jose Ruiz and cash Thursday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Dunning has spent the majority of his season at Triple-A Round Rock and has appeared exclusively as a reliever in his five big-league appearances. Atlanta's immediate plans for him are unclear, but the team has a significant need at starting pitcher with both Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) and Chris Sale (elbow) sidelined. Dunning posted a 5.02 ERA and 1.31 WHIP across 71.2 innings as a starter during the 2024 regular season.

Suarez (hand) is expected to be in Friday's lineup against the Cardinals, Alex Weiner of AZ Sports reports.

Suarez was hit in the hand by a pitch during the All-Star Game but avoided serious injury. Manager Torey Lovullo spoke with relative certainty that Suarez would be in the lineup Friday, but it will still be worth confirming before first pitch at 9:40 p.m. ET.